Local Girl Scout troops (Kindergarten thru 5th grade) from the Coyote Hills Service Unit gathered Sunday, December 11, on a mission to give back to our local community.

Project Hope Bags for the Children's Program at Abode Services, sponsored by Troops 31998, 31114, 32018, 32004, 30705, and their parents, donated a variety of non-perishable items such as tuna cans, raisins, granola bars, crackers, and bottled water. The Girl Scout troops made over 200 Hope Bags for distribution to the homeless community and gained a sense of sharing with those less fortunate.

Abode Services, formerly Tri-City Homeless Coalition, is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to over 2,000 homeless and low income people in Alameda County to gain access to shelter and assistance for those who are at risk of becoming homeless. Located in Fremont, Abode also offers primary and mental health care, social services, and substance recovery services to the homeless, free of charge.

The Girl Scouts' Project Hope Bags is one of the many positive experiences in girl scouting that allows young girls to understand the value of kindness and giving with the camaraderie of their sister scouts.

"We really appreciate the Girl Scouts' thoughtfulness in putting these bags together. The adults and children who will receive them will be very grateful for these items. It's a great project from a great organization." - Carol Arata, Director of Development, Abode Services